Chicago Bears call Chuck Pagano the defensive coordinator

CHICAGO – The Bears named the former head coach of Indianapolis Colts on Friday night as their defensive coordinator.

Pagano replaces experienced defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who became head coach of the Denver Broncos on Thursday.

"We are very pleased to add Chuck as a defensive coordinator to our staff," said Bears head coach Matt Nagy in a statement. "He has a lot of experience in this league on many different levels, and he is a great teacher with an aggressive mentality that fits our football style, he is a man of high character and has a passion for the game that will undoubtedly help becomes the culture that we have already built in Halas Hall. "

Chuck Pagano trained the Colts for six years and was previously Ravens Defense Coordinator. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Pagano coached the Colts for six years (2012-17) and led Indianapolis to two AFC South Championships (2013, 2014) and three consecutive playoff appearances (2012-14) , Pagano was fired in the postseason with a 53-43 record in the regular season and a 3-3 mark.

As a 16-year-old NFL training veteran, Pagano is arguably the best defense in the league.

The Bears ranked # 1 in the NFL in take-away (36), interceptions (27), touchdown take-off (five), the lowest allowed touchdowns (five), the lowest allowed passer rating (72.9) and the lowest allowed to play more than 20 yards (46) in 2018.

Chicago also set a franchise record for the lowest allowed rushing yards in a 16-game season.

The Bears had four Defenders elected to the Pro Bowl – Khalil Mack, Eddie Jackson, Akiem Hicks and Kyle Fuller, all under contract for the foreseeable future.

The Bea rs interviewed second-choice coach Ed Donatell on Thursday for the opening of the defensive coordinator before settling on Pagano.

Donatell was able to follow Fangio to Denver, along with several other Chicago assistants on the defensive side of the ball.